Wānaka resident Tristian McDonald was "stunned" his image placed first in the astro-landscape division of the recent Australian Photographic Prize 2023.
The two images were taken on April 24, a date Mr McDonald said many astrophotographers would recognise because of the strong aurora.
He was at a family member’s house in Balclutha looking at weather forecasts and the chance of an aurora australis.
"I could see the conditions were lining up so decided it was time to go."
He had not planned a location, and drove north for about 20 minutes before suddenly deciding on a change of direction to Nugget Point on the Catlins coast.
"I rushed along the path being buffeted by the wind and the rain."
He was excited to see the beams of light as he set up, and frantically started taking photos.
First he shot the aurora australis panorama that became a semifinalist in the photography competition.
However, as he was ready to pack up he noticed the bright light of a phenomenon even rarer than an aurora emerging in the sky.
The red ribbon of light above the lighthouse was a strong thermal emission velocity enhancement (Steve).
"I repositioned and levelled my tripod as quick as possible and starting shooting the Steve," Mr McDonald said.
All up, it took him about 20 minutes.
Titled Double Helix, the second image went on to win the astro landscape category.
He felt overwhelmed and immensely grateful to have done so well and was pleased to have won the prize of an astrophotography telescope.
It was his first time entering the competition, which has several categories and is open to both professionals and amateurs nationally and internationally.
